Stop polemics over 'Allah' issue - Hishammuddin

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein on Friday called on all quarters to cease the polemics over the use of the word 'Allah' for the sake of peace in the country.

He said the refusal of certain quarters to accept the court's decision on the matter cultivated hatred and disunity, which was feared might cause turmoil in the country.

"The court has made its decision. We must accept it. Stop the polemics and stop politicising the issue, if not there will be chaos," he said after officiating at the closing of a course at the Malaysian Armed Forces Defence College (MPAT), here, and presentation of diplomas.

He was asked to comment on a statement by editor of The Herald Catholic weekly, Lawrence Andrew that churches in Selangor would continue to use the word 'Allah' in reference to God in their weekend services.

It was pointed out that this went contrary to the decree of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, on Dec 14 requiring Malaysians in Selangor to comply with the prohibition on the use of the word 'Allah' by non-Muslims as provided for under the Selangor Non-Islamic Religions (Control of Propagation Among Muslims) Enactment 1988.

Last October, the Court of Appeals decided that The Herald could not use the word 'Allah' in its Malay edition as the usage of 'Allah' was not an integral part of the Christian faith.